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Medicines currently used to treat conditions other than dementia can help prevent or treat Alzheimer’s

Researchers in NIA’s Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Section in the Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience are leading an innovative new study to determine whether medicines currently used to treat conditions other than dementia can help prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease. Plans for the Drug Repurposing for Effective Alzheimer’s Medicines (DREAM) study were published recently in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions.

The NIA team, led by Madhav Thambisetty, M.D., Ph.D, collaborated with researchers at Harvard Medical School, Rutgers University, and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to design a new approach that would be an alternative to traditional drug discovery. This method focuses the search on drugs that have already been shown safe and effective for other conditions. And, instead of beginning the search for treatments by testing compounds in lab animals for effectiveness, the team will first look at data from large numbers of people who had already been treated with those compounds for other disorders. Later, researchers may conduct animal studies to validate findings for dementia before planning studies with people.

The research team has already made progress with their plans for drug repurposing research. First, the research team identified a network of about 20 biological pathways linked to abnormal brain metabolism in people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. These abnormalities may precede or influence the brain changes that lead to dementia.

Next, they identified 35 FDA-approved drugs that might be active against the network of 20 pathways. These drugs are used already to treat diseases other than Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Of these 35, the team selected 15 drugs as the best candidates for further analysis.

From this point, the team plans to analyze data collected during routine health care for the effects of a candidate drug on the development of dementia. Data sources include electronic health records from U.S. Medicare and the United Kingdom. The analysis will estimate the incidence of dementia for people treated with the candidate drug and compare it to those receiving another drug for the same disease.

Results from the DREAM study will help guide future research. If a drug appears to reduce the risk or severity of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, researchers could conduct lab tests to determine how the drug works against dementia, and the drugs could eventually be tested with people in clinical trials.

The researchers noted that the DREAM study relies on the accuracy of information in the databases being analyzed. The researchers plan to use multiple methods of rigorous analysis to ensure that the study’s results are as accurate as possible.

This project is funded by the intramural research program of the National Institute on Aging. It relates to NIH’s AD+ADRD Research Implementation Milestone 7.B, “Initiate research programs for translational bioinformatics and network pharmacology to support rational drug repositioning and combination therapy from discovery through clinical development.”

Reference: Desai RJ, et al. Targeting abnormal metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease: The Drug Repurposing for Effective Alzheimer’s Medicines (DREAM) study. Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Could reducing cardiovascular risk in early adulthood be key to keeping cognition later?

Treating people in early adulthood for cardiovascular risk could preserve their ability to think clearly, learn, and remember as they age, a new study pooling large sets of population data suggests. The findings showed that risk factors such as elevated body mass index, fasting glucose, and systolic blood pressure were associated with worse cognitive health later in life. Funded in part by NIA, the research was published in the March 17 online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Researcher measuring breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure of participant while walking on a treadmill, results appear on a computer screen. Existing evidence suggests that maintaining heart health, in particular blood pressure control, may slow cognitive decline. Yet research to date on delaying cognitive decline has focused on reducing cardiovascular risk during midlife. To address this gap, researchers compiled data from different groups and measured the association of early adult, midlife, and late-life cardiovascular risk with late-life cognitive decline.

The research team found that across the adult life course, elevated cardiovascular risk factors, including elevated body mass index, fasting glucose, and systolic blood pressure, but not total cholesterol, were associated with greater cognitive decline in late life. Lead author Kristine Yaffe, MD, from the University of California San Francisco, noted that the findings are particularly noteworthy because they show cardiovascular risk exposures in early life in particular are associated with late-life cognitive change, even after accounting for risk exposures in mid- and late-life.

To get a full adult life-course perspective on cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive decline, the research team combined data from four NIH-funded studies: Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA), Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), and Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC). CARDIA included data of young to middle-aged adults, MESA of middle-aged to older adults, and the CHS and Health ABC studies of older adults. This pooled cohort included Black and white adult participants ages 18 to 95 years old at enrollment. The researchers assigned values over time for body mass index, fasting glucose, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol for 15,001 adults.

Yaffe, who recently described the importance of this kind of population-based evidence in an NIH lecture, “Epidemiology of Cognitive Aging: Why Observational Studies Still Matter,” noted a strength of this study is its large sample size and ability to study exposures over the adult life course. Limitations described include that the missing measures of early- and mid-life cardiovascular risk were imputed and these values tended toward average levels, thereby lessening the strength of the associations with cognitive decline. However, the analysis suggests that absence of cardiovascular risk factors in early adulthood is associated with better cognitive health in old age, even when midlife and late life cardiovascular factors are taken into account. Next steps in this area of research would be to determine if treating early-life cardiovascular risk factors has an effect on cognition in late-life.

This research was supported by NIA grants 1RF1AG054443 and K01AG047273.

Alzheimer’s Association’s ‘The Longest Day’ fundraiser gets underway

Ventura County participants are joining in with others across the country to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s by doing an activity that they love for The Longest Day — an Alzheimer’s Association

Riptide Big Band has previously performed at dances, private parties, weddings, reunions, and other events.

fundraiser that culminates on the summer solstice, the day with the most light.

“The Longest Day is a fun way for people to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s and other dementia by involving their business, friends and family in any hobby or activity of their choice,” said Jeffery Glover, Development Specialist with the California Central Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “All proceeds provide local care and support, as well as critical global research.”

This year, fundraising activities are taking form in a variety of different ways, from bake sales to video game tournaments.

Leila Thayer Malone has been restoring pieces of antique furniture in her workshop, which she describes as her “happy place.”

Riptide Big Band, the Central Coast’s premier 15-piece dance band, will be playing a concert at a senior club.

Laura DeLoye is doing dance-grams while dressed up as Uma the Unicorn, a returning event from last year that successfully raised over $2,500 in 2020.

Others are taking advantage of the beautiful outdoors along California’s central coast.

Juerg Geser will be paddle boarding in the Channel Islands Harbor from sunrise to sunset on June 20, accompanied by local friends and others around the world.

Glover shares that the need for support is greater than ever. “There are over 690,000 Californians currently living with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia, with over one million caregivers watching over them,” says Glover. “The chances are very high that you or someone you know has been affected by this disease in one way or another.”

To learn more or get involved in The Longest Day, visit alz.org/tld or contact Jeffery Glover at [email protected].

Vol. 14, No. 16 – May 5 – May 18, 2021 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
The Handmaid’s Tale – Hulu Originals

“The Handmaid’s Tale” is the story of a dystopian future involving the former United States that is destroyed in a time of plummeting birth rates by a totalitarian society known as Gilead, ruled by “traditional values”. They captured all fertile women, forcing them into a life of sexual servitude to create the children they themselves could not conceive. Though June’s (Elizabeth Moss) husband tried to get her and her daughter to Canada, June was captured and sent to a reform camp lead by sadistic Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) where women are tortured into being Handmaids owned by rich couples and sexually assaulted under the pretense of bringing God’s children into the world.

The Handmaids were not allowed to use their original names, rather given the name of the Commanders of their assigned households, so June became Offred, the Handmaid of Commander Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes) and his wife Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski). Gilead also claimed the children that Handmaids had prior to the takeover and gave them to prominent families, including June’s daughter Hannah. Even wives were not allowed to read or educate themselves, a difficult scenario for former academic and activist Serena Joy, who ended up losing half a finger as punishment for reading books.

June had a best friend Moira (Samira Wiley), who was also captured by Gilead, but was able to escape to the city, and found herself becoming part of the Jezebels – a group of women the Commanders came to the city to have sexual rendezvous with outside the knowledge of their subservient wives. Moira eventually escaped the Jezebels to Canada, where she reunited with June’s husband Luke and both worked relentlessly to find and rescue June and Hanah.

Nick (Max Minghella) was Commander Waterford’s driver, and unknown to them was a eye/spy for the head group of Gilead’s Commanders. June and Nick had exchanged looks and passing words to reveal there was a romantic connection between them, though was something absolutely forbidden under Gilead rule. Due to the fact the Serena Joy was desperate to have a child, and thinking that her husband Fred may actually be sterile, she secretly asked Nick to impregnate June though let all believe it was Fred’s child.

June finally had her child, which Serena Joy named Nicole, and got her out to Canada with a Handmaid named Emily (Alexis Bledel) she helped to escape but would not join due to her commitment to rescue her own daughter Hannah. Fate did bring Hannah back to June for a brief time, but was unable to escape Gilead and eventually ended up being tortured back in line and assigned to a new Commander. All these events only fueled June’s commitment deciding she would try to save as many children as she could with the help of the other Handmaids and ended up getting 86 children on a plane to Canada, though was shot during the ordeal.

Season 4 opens with three episodes where at this point a few brave Handmaids work to save June’s life and evade capture. Nick became a prominent Commander, though finds himself constantly challenged by the conflict of doing his duty and wanting to protect June. Fred and Serena Joy were tricked into crossing the Canadian border and captured, turning on each other while both being held facing various criminal anti-humanitarian charges for their roles in Gilead.

“The Handmaid’s Tale” is filled with gripping, edge of your seat moments that often feel paralyzing and hopeless, though somehow it’s clear June will not give up until she saves herself, her daughter and all the Handmaids she became the incidental leader for along the way.

Rated: TV-MA
4 Seasons – (10) 1hr Episodes

Vol. 14, No. 16 – May 5 – May 18, 2021 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Wednes 4/14	3:50pm, dispatched to an ocean rescue at Hobson Beach. Officers responded in Rescue B17 with multiple agencies. The victim was assisted to safely to shore.
Thursday 4/15	5:35pm, dispatched to a vessel aground at Oxnard Shores. Officers assisted Tow Boat US/OxFire with the 35ft motor vessel that was hard aground. The vessel was at first thought to be part of a movie shoot in the area.
Friday 4/16	5:03pm, while on patrol in Rescue B17, officers assisted the skipper of a small sailboat, a laser near the #4 buoy right itself. No injuries or damage sustained. 5:39pm, dispatched to a sick person near Island Packers building. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the patient.
Saturday 4/17	4:03pm, while on patrol, officers assisted a stranded motorist with a jump start for a dead battery in their vehicle near Andria’s seafood. 4:15pm, while on patrol in Rescue B17, officers educated several persons paddling SUP’s in violation of no personal floatation device through out the harbor. Officers also educated two vessels for speed/wake violations in harbor.
Sunday 4/18	10:20am, received several reports of an injured pelican at South Beach in the surfline. Officers responded, captured the bird for rescue volunteers. 11:15am, received report of an individual working on a commercial vessel in its slip near the fuel dock. Officers responded and issued written warning for debris in the water. Workers complied and removed what they could from the water.
Monday 4/19	1:33pm, received report of a lost/stolen dog at Surfers Knoll. Officers responded and assisted Ventura PD search, unfortunately they were unable to locate it.
Tuesday 4/20	3:18pm, received a report of an injured pelican near VWM D-dock. Officers responded, the RP called back and watched the bird fly away.

Thursday 4/22	10:36am, dispatched to a fall victim in Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with treatment and preparing for transport.
Friday 4/23	9:45am, observed a large motor vessel struggling to maneuver in the Pierpont Basin. Officers were able to assist the disabled vessel and secure it to longdock. 9:23pm, officers broke up a gathering of 125 people at Surfers Knoll. Attendants to the social gathering dispersed peacefully and were young adults. 9:56pm, issued warning to skipper of disabled vessel at longdock for securing w/o permission, having a vessel in un-seaworthy condition, & no plan for a slip.
Saturday 4/24	10:10am, dispatched to a 18 y/o with a fractured femur on a PWC at the launch ramp. Officers responded by land and sea to assist VFD/AMR with the patient. After placing a traction splint, patient was transported to local hospital. 6:35pm, officers contacted & issued V/W to a food truck in Harbor Cove lot for conducting business without a permit. The truck closed shop and moved on. 11:01pm, received a request to park vehicle overnight to be a responsible driver in the Ventura Village parking lot. Officers complied, advised Courtsey Patrol.
Sunday 4/25	1:20pm, observed dangerous swimming conditions and officers contacted several inexperienced bathers about rip currents and a strong longshore current from a large South Swell. Rip currents increase with larger waves and currents. 1:37pm, dispatched to stroke victim in Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted a 69 y/o female who recently suffered a major head injury and was extremely confused. Patient transported to local hospital. 5:27pm, dispatched to 1 y/o with a head injury near 1583 Spinnaker. Officers responded with AMR/VFD to assist the young patient.

Vol. 14, No. 16 – May 5 – May 18, 2021 – Police Reports

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura Police Department and are not the opinions of the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

DUI Drugs, Possession of Controlled Substances, Commercial Burglary, Grand Theft, Identity Theft

On April 14, at approximately 1am, the VPD Command Center received a call from a security guard in the Downtown area that a glass door to a shop in the 500 block of Main St had been shattered. Patrol officers arrived and discovered the store had been burglarized. CSI processed the scene, discovering around $3,000 worth of merchandise had been stolen.

At about 7am, the VPD Command Center received a call from a victim in the 6000 block of Promontory Lane, their unlocked vehicle had been entered, and about $2500 worth of property was taken from it.

At about 9:30am, Patrol officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Tanager St reference a subject slumped over in a vehicle with the motor running. Officers searched the area and were able to locate the car parked in the 7/11 parking lot on Bristol St. Officers contacted 29 year old Ventura County resident Whitney Byrd, who appeared under the influence, and they began a DUI investigation. During the investigation, officers located a large amount of stolen property and contacted Street Crimes detectives.

Detectives were able to link Whitney to the earlier burglary and theft from an unlocked vehicle. Detectives also located evidence of Identity Theft. Whitney was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of a Drug, Possession of Controlled Substances (methamphetamine and fentanyl), Commercial Burglary, Grand Theft, and Identity Theft.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows Whitney has prior arrests for being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Petty Theft, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and Burglary.

Narcotics Arrest

On April 7, at 11:00am, Ventura Police patrol officers contacted 39 year old Ventura resident Elizabeth Haberstich in the 100 block of Santa Clara St. During the detention, officers conducted a probation search.

Officers located narcotics on Haberstich’s person, members of the SCU Narcotics unit responded and assisted with the investigation.

During the subsequent investigation, detectives recovered fentanyl, methamphetamines, cocaine, and evidence of narcotics sales on Haberstich’s person, vehicle, and hotel room.

As a result of the investigation, Elizabeth Haberstich was arrested for possession for sale of controlled substances.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Elizabeth Haberstich has prior arrests for numerous narcotics violations, including several previous arrests for possession for sales of controlled substances.

Stolen vehicle recovery with arrest

On April 24, at approximately 1am, a Ventura Police patrol officer observed a possible stolen vehicle in the 1300 Block of Saratoga Ave. A records check confirmed that the vehicle was stolen from Thousand Oaks. The patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and safely detained the driver, 28 year old Oxnard resident Paul Coronado with the assistance of additional officers.

Coronado was found to be in possession of burglary tools and was driving on a suspended license as a result of DUI offenses. He was arrested for unlawful driving of a stolen vehicle, possession of burglar’s tools, and driving on a suspended license for DUI offenses.

Conspiracy, Prowling, Possession of a Switchblade, Possession of Burglary Tools Arrests

On April 24, at approximately 3:45am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a subject casing residences in the 400 Block of Howard. Ventura PD patrol officers responded and detained a subject matching the description. The investigation showed he was prowling on multiple residences. This subject was found to be on probation with search terms and was carrying various burglary tools and a switchblade knife. This subject was identified as 22 year old Ojai resident Wyatt Revard.

Officers observed a subject in a nearby vehicle waiting in the area and contacted him. The subject in the vehicle, 36 year old Ojai resident Christopher Grant, was determined to be the getaway driver for Wyatt.

Wyatt was arrested for Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Prowling, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Possession of a Switchblade Knife. Grant was arrested for Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On April 24, at approximately 2:30am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of an unknown subject inside the victim’s home. The caller indicated the subject was going toward the children’s room. The father of the children confronted the victim and a fight ensued. Multiple Ventura PD officers arrived and were able to safely detain the suspect, identified as 38 year old Arizona resident Roman Salas.

The investigation showed that Salas had forced his way into the home by kicking in a door at the back of the home. Salas was unknown to the residents and was arrested for Residential Burglary.

The residents and officers were unharmed. Salas was treated for minor injuries sustained from the altercation with the father of the children.

Returning to the Classroom (Part Two)

Conor Barry works on his truck, in an out of the virtual classroom. Aryanna Miles has been on campus for cheer practices since November and is happy to return to the classroom. Bram Pagliano is comfortable with distance learning, but misses arc welding classes in person.

by Amy Brown

Many students now have the opportunity to return to in-classroom learning, whether nearly full time or in a hybrid configuration. Across the county, hardworking teachers are welcoming their students back, and as one can imagine, it is a huge adjustment—especially for some seniors, who have spent much of the last year working, planning for their futures, and becoming more self-sufficient and autonomous, both in school and out.

Conor Barry, a senior at Buena, would like to try to return to school fully in person, but isn’t sure yet, since he has a job working up to five days a week. He plans to go to Ventura College and then become a diesel mechanic after graduation, and has been meeting remotely with his auto shop teacher, and works on his truck in the meantime. He shared that all of his teachers have really stepped up and bridged the gulf of distance learning. “Being in person for auto shop would be really cool,” says Barry. “I already watch YouTube and figure stuff out on my own, but I want to be with other people with same interests. Barry said he really misses school dances and sports, and ran track as a junior, when Covid ended the season abruptly after just one meet. “I’m really sad that I didn’t have a regular senior year, I was hyped for it,” he said. “I’m going to try going five days a week, and hopefully I like it, but if it’s not practical, I don’t want to change everything I do, including work, just to go to school in person for two months. Of course part of me wants me to do it because it’s my senior year.” He shared that his uncertainty is not fear of getting Covid, but being forced to change his full time work and other commitments he’s made in the past year.

Bram Pagliano is a senior at Vista Real, and as such even before the pandemic was accustomed to having some in-class and some autonomous schoolwork done at home. After graduation, he plans to attend Ventura College, and continue his passion for arc welding, a process in which electromagnetic currents are used to bind metal. He became interested in the demanding career in shop class in 11th grade. “It’s satisfying, it’s fun to do, and as a career, it pays really well,” he said. “When I first started arc welding, it was hard—when the currents heats up to the point where it touches metal, the sparks can be blinding. It was cool when I did it the first time, but it was pretty scary.” He spoke to his early shop teachers about his specific focus–his desire to learn how to get the best integrity in a weld and make it a career.

Some seniors can’t wait to resume normal classes. Aryanna Miles is a senior and on the varsity cheer team at Buena, and after graduation will attend Lu Ross Academy cosmetology school. She’s excited about following her passion and looks forward to her first job as a hair stylist, but for now is thrilled to be back in class in high school. “It was nice being back in class actually, but definitely different; there’s not nearly as many people, and we have much smaller classes,” she said. “But I was so ready, no question about it, to come back.” It was her first year as a cheerleader, and her introduction to the sport was through Zoom practices at first, before the team started practicing in person in November. “During the past three years (pre-pandemic) I was in the stands watching them cheer, and the team was amazing, the girls looked so confident and close and it looked so fun. I remember thinking, ‘I want that,’ and now I’m there.” She and her teammates did not expect to have any football games at which to cheer this year, and were exhilarated when they heard there would be. “I just thought we’d practice the whole time and not get games,” said Miles. “And now all of sudden everything is starting up at once–I’m back in class, there’s homework, practices and there’s the huge Ventura game coming up. It’s nerve wracking, but so exciting.”

Honoring Ventura Police Dispatchers

Public safety dispatchers undergo a rigorous testing and background process before being hired.

The Ventura Police Department honored the men and women who answer life-saving 911 calls in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week April 11–17, 2021.

In 2020, Public Safety Dispatchers at the Ventura Police Department answered more than 198,000 calls, including 53,121 emergency 911 calls, with phone calls continuing to increase annually.

“Our community depends on the skill, expertise, and commitment of the men and women who work in public safety communications,” said Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler. “They remain calm during every emergency, have a unique ability to multi-task under very stressful conditions, and play a key role in response and safety. We are fortunate to have a talented team of dedicated professionals who care deeply about serving the community and our officers.”

The Ventura Police Communications Center is staffed with two corporals, two senior dispatchers, 12 dispatchers, and two dispatcher trainees.

“This year, we recognize Dispatcher Kelly Wilson as our Dispatcher of the Year! Her positive attitude, professionalism and kindness on the phone, skill in dispatching officers, and service as a Communications Training Officer (CTO) exemplify the many skills and values worthy of this special award. She’s truly an asset to our department.”

Public safety dispatchers undergo a rigorous testing and background process before being hired. Once hired, dispatchers attend a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Dispatcher Course. Their training then includes 6 to 12 months of on-the-job training. Even then, approximately 50% of the dispatchers hired do not successfully complete the training program due to the unique demands and stressors of the job.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week was initially se up in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office in California. Each year, the second full week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators.

Boyko and Reardon secures grant for Boys & Girls Club of Ventura

Michael Boyko, Funeral Director presents grant check to Peter McClintock of the Ventura Boys & Girls Club

Michael Boyko, owner and funeral director of the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service and Boyko & Reardon Telegraph Road Mortuary & Cremation, both of Ventura has secured a grant from the Matthews Children’s Foundation for the Ventura Boys & Girls Club. This grant will go towards furthering several of the Boys & Girls Club’s programs helping the youth of Ventura grow into healthy, responsible, productive members of our community.

“The Boys & Girls Club has so many positive engaging programs and I believe that following the Covid 19 epidemic the funds will go to certain good use as our community gets back on its feet with a particular emphasis in helping our young adults rebound from setbacks last year” Boyko said.

The Matthews Children’s Foundation is a non-profit organization that partners with community funeral directors assisting with grants in support of children’s organizations.

The check for $1,000.00 was presented last week by Michael Boyko to Peter McClintock of the Boys & Girl’s Club of Ventura at the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 757 E. Main Street in downtown Ventura.

SEEAG kicks off second “Let’s Grow A Garden” at-home student learning program

SEEAG teaches kids how to grow vegetables while learning healthy eating habits.

For the second year, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is hosting its “Let’s Grow A Garden”–an at-home garden program for students in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties that teaches kids how to grow vegetables while learning healthy eating habits and proper nutrition.

“A garden gives kids a sense of accomplishment as they care for their plants and then harvest their crops. They also come to appreciate the role of our local farmers and the importance of eating healthy,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO.

To help start their gardens, Agromin, an Oxnard-based manufacturer of earth-friendly soil products, composts and mulches made from recycled organic materials, is giving away 4-quart bags of potting soil to Let’s Grow A Garden participants. The bags (one per child) are available at Agromin (201 Kinetic Drive, Oxnard) April 19 through Aprils 23, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Agromin parking lot.

Plantel Nurseries will be giving away vegetable seedlings on Earth Day (April 22) at Agromin as well. When picking up soil and seeds, follow all social distancing and other rules posted on site.

Nutrition and agriculture program lessons are on SEEAG’s website with new lessons posted every Monday beginning May 3. Also on the site is Information about local agriculture and links to where families can order seeds and gardening materials online.

A Let’s Grow A Garden e-newsletter with product giveaway details and more “ag-tivities” is sent out weekly through August. E-newsletter article topics include how to plant vegetables from seed, container gardening for small spaces, and selecting the right plants and soil. Register to receive the newsletter by going to www.seeag.org/signup.

The program will also feature a weekly garden photo contest where students submit photos (#letsgrowagarden2021) of their gardens with the chance to win garden-themed prizes.

No registration is required. Let’s Grow a Garden is for elementary school teachers, students and their families. For more, go to www.seeag.org/letsgrowagarden2021. To learn about SEEAG, go to www.SEEAG.org.

Founded in 2008, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is a nonprofit organization that aims to help young students understand the origins of their food by bridging the gap between agriculture and consumption through its agricultural education programming. SEEAG’s “The Farm Lab” program based in Ventura County teaches schoolchildren about the origins of their food and the importance of local farmland by providing schools with classroom agricultural education and free field trips to farms. Its Child Wellness Initiative in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties educates, inspires and empowers children to eat healthy by adding locally grown fruits and vegetables to their diet to help ward off childhood obesity that could lead to diabetes. Through these and other SEEAG programs, over 60,000 elementary school students in Central and Southern California have increased their understanding of the food journey. For more information, visit www.seeag.org or email Mary Maranville at [email protected].

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